Konerko, 34, has been classified as a Type A free agent, meaning the White Sox will receive two extra Draft picks in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft if Konerko declines arbitration and signs with another team. Konerko and Putz have one week to decide if they will accept the arbitration offer, with Nov. 30 standing as the deadline.

A first-round pick would go to the White Sox from the Konerko-signing team, as long as that team’s pick is not protected in the Top 15. The White Sox also would receive a sandwich pick in between the first and second rounds.

It’s unlikely for Konerko to accept this arbitration offer, meaning he would be under the White Sox control for just the next season at an increase from his $12 million salary in 2010. Konerko figures to command a multiyear offer, based on his overall body of work, his leadership skills and his .312 average, 39 home runs and 111 RBIs put up last year, with the White Sox certainly remaining in the picture.

Putz, 33, meanwhile, has Type B classification, meaning the White Sox would receive a supplemental selection between the first and second round if he declines arbitration and signs elsewhere. If Putz accepts arbitration by next Tuesday, the White Sox would have an important bullpen cog back in the fold for 2011 at a cost slightly above the $3 million Putz earned in 2010.

Williams suggested that not offering arbitration to Pierzynski was a sign of respect:

“We felt that if we did offer arbitration to A.J. and there were [compensation draft] picks involved that it would potentially hurt a guy that is loyal to us and has been a stud behind the plate and brings it every day,” Williams said. “We just didn’t want to do that. The market will define what his worth is and there will be a time in the offseason when we will get together with his guy and discern the options for bringing him back and whether it’s affordable.”